With Article-attaching Means Patents (Class 2/422)
  • Publication number: 20120222199
    Abstract: A face shield, such as a visor, mounts to a protective helmet using a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly has a base, a spacer assembly, and a pair of posts. The base is disposed on the interior of the helmet. The posts are connected to the base and extend outwardly into the holes that are formed in the side of the helmet. The posts may or may not extend completely through the holes formed in the helmet. The spacer assembly engages the first and second posts such that the helmet is disposed between the base and the spacer assembly. The spacer assembly receives corresponding fasteners that attach the face shield to the helmet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Wally Wayne Tatomir
  • Patent number: 8256032
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lightweight protective helmet having an improved ventilation system therein. The protective helmet comprises an outer shell and an inner liner that are joined together to form a shell/liner composite. The ventilation system interacts with one or more ventilation ports in the protective helmet to control the flow of ambient air in and out of the interior of the protective helmet. The ventilation system may be integrated or encased within the shell/liner composite, or it may be adapted to be used on the exterior of the helmet. In addition, the ventilation system may include one of several types of interchangeable insert members to allow active or passive control of ambient air into the interior of the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: David T. Muskovitz
  • Publication number: 20120216339
    Abstract: A football helmet has a shell with a top portion having a raised central channel at least at one of a front area and a top area of the top portion of the shell, with a plurality of elongated vent openings on each side of the channel, the vent openings being spaced from each other on each side of the channel, from front to back, along the helmet shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: Kranos IP Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Nimmons, David Rogers, Duco Noordzij, Eduard Milea, Larry Maddux, Ray Drake
  • Publication number: 20120216340
    Abstract: A protection device, system and/or method including a protection body portion adapted to be one or both of connected to or disposed on the lower edge of a wearer's headgear. In some implementations, the protection body portion may be triangular and the connecting of the device to headgear may include a removable connective component is located at the apex of a second edge and a third edge of the protection body portion at the farthest point from the headgear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: Astar Listings
    Inventor: John Asta
  • Patent number: 8245326
    Abstract: A holder for an MP3 player or other music or communication device is reversibly attached to a rigid helmet such as worn by motorcyclists. The back surface of the holder is configured to fit closely and integrally against the back surface of the helmet. A spoiler forms the top of the holder to minimize wind lift, prevent wind from dislodging the holder, and to direct air flow along the helmet and over the holder. The MP3 player is disposed in a compartment within the body of the holder and retained in the compartment by a stop-tab. An adapter is used to connect the MP3 player to an earphone assembly within the helmet. A volume control on the adapter enables the cyclist to adjust the volume while riding. The holder is reversibly attached to the helmet by means of a two component heavy duty interlock fastener system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Anthony Tolve
  • Patent number: 8245320
    Abstract: An eye shield attachment can be used in combination with a safety helmet. This helmet has a front brim continuous with a rim extending along each opposite side of the safety helmet to a pair of rim slots in the helmet's rim. The attachment has a pair of frames that can removably attach to the pair of rim slots in the helmet. The frames each have a fastening member that is lockable onto a corresponding one of the rim slots and adjustable to accommodate various depths in the rim slots. A support structure attached to the pair of frames extends along the rim toward the front brim. A front lens and corrective glasses may be attached to the support structure. A pliable bead may be attached to the front of the support structure and extend rearwardly to engage a wearer's forehead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventors: Jack Provost, Dennis Jenkins, Brian Jenkins, Jeffrey R. Burger, Chris S. Daniels, Kevin J. Vititoe
  • Publication number: 20120204331
    Abstract: A helmet assembly includes a face shield and a single, center top mounting arrangement that operatively connects a center top location of the face shield to a center front mount on the helmet. The face shield can be raised and lowered about a pivot axis provided in the mounting arrangement between a tilted up, non-use position and a lowered, deployed position. The mounting arrangement can include a detent and two recesses, wherein the detent engages a first recess at a slightly forwardly displaced position to allow ventilation between the helmet and mandible and the face shield and a second recess at the tilted up, non-use position. The recess and detent engagement can be overcome by easy manual force acting on the face shield to reposition the face shield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventors: Stéphane Lebel, Marie-Pierre Gendron, Martin Bélanger, Richard Coomber, Stephan Morency
  • Patent number: 8239971
    Abstract: A carriage for a headgear mount including a base having a top surface and a bottom surface, the carriage attachable to the headgear mount. At least one rail extends from the bottom surface, the rail adapted to receive night vision goggles and the rail being integral with the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Norotos, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathon R. Prendergast
  • Publication number: 20120192338
    Abstract: The Safety Light Helmet is a helmet with a light on it. The light is affixed to the top center of the helmet for 360 degree visibility by other riders/vehicles whose coming or going passed the helmet wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Darryl William Munns
  • Patent number: 8225419
    Abstract: A protective helmet includes: a rigid shell including a generally domed-shaped section, a force attenuating liner within the dome-shaped section shell and operatively connected to the rigid shell; and a visor mount in operative connection with the force attenuating liner, the visor mount be adapted to have a visor mounted thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Mine Safety Appliances Company
    Inventors: F. Joseph Hersick, Kevin R. Ketterer, Robert Klotz
  • Publication number: 20120180203
    Abstract: Goggles, protective wear, and methods attaching and detaching a goggle are disclosed. In a described example, protective wear includes a goggle and a helmet. The goggle include first and second strap attachments coupled to a strap. The first strap attachment is pivotally connected to a goggle assembly and the second strap attachment has a post. The helmet includes an anchor positioned in an opening in the helmet and is oriented to position an anchor channel to be in line with a recess formed on an exterior of the helmet. The anchor is configured to receive the post and pivotally secure the post therein to attach the goggle to the helmet. The anchor is further configured to release the post responsive to the second strap attachment pulled in a direction substantially parallel with the anchor channel of the anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: Smith Optics, Inc.
    Inventors: George T. Giroux, Hans Lindauer, James A. Chilson
  • Publication number: 20120180199
    Abstract: Helmets and methods for manufacturing a helmet are described. An example helmet includes an upper helmet component having a shell and a shock absorbing liner and further having a lower helmet component having a shell and a shock absorbing liner. The shock absorbing liner of the lower helmet component has an angled interface portion to which the upper helmet component is attached. A vent sill is attached to the shock absorbing liner of the upper helmet component and a vent shutter is slidably attached to the vent sill. An example method include forming a first in-mold component having a shell and shock absorbing liner and forming a second in-mold component having a shell and shock absorbing liner, the shock absorbing liner having a seamless headform. After a vent shutter assembly is attached to the first in-mold component the second in-mold component is attached to the first in-mold component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: Smith Optics, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Chilson, Hans Lindauer
  • Publication number: 20120180202
    Abstract: Goggles, goggle attachment systems, and helmets are described. One such goggle attachment system includes an attachment post and a resilient goggle strap tab. The attachment post includes a post portion and a stop and the goggle strap tab includes an opening. The goggle strap tab is configured to be stretched and the opening pulled over the stop and onto to the post portion. The goggle strap tab is retained on the post portion by the stop. An example goggle includes a frame, a resilient strap attached to the frame, and a resilient goggle strap tab attached to the strap. The goggle strap tab having an opening disposed between a strap tab and a tab pull. The goggle strap tab is configured to stretch when pulled by the tab pull along a longitudinal axis and the opening being asymmetrical about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis when stretched.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: Smith Optics, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph R. McNeal
  • Patent number: 8214920
    Abstract: A hard hat adapter for a welding helmet is disclosed. The dapater includes a housing which has an outer wall, an interior surface and a bottom surface. The outer wall includes a surface defining a window therethrough. The interior surface includes a recessed surface circumscribing the window. The recessed surface includes at least one planar surface thereon. A rotatable boss is captured within the housing against the interior surface. The boss has an annular lip that includes at least one planar surface thereon configured to selectively engage the planar surface on the recessed surface of the housing and prevent the boss from rotating when engaged thereon and freely rotatable when disengaged therefrom. A mounting post extends from the boss and projects through the window on the housing. The mounting post is configured to selectively couple to a welding helmet. The welding helmet may include a rotatable cam configured to engage a lever arm on the hard hat adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Sperian Eye & Face Protection, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick P. Edgar, Joseph S. Falvo
  • Patent number: 8209780
    Abstract: A mounting device for mounting an associated optical device on an associated helmet includes a first pivot arm assembly removably attachable to the associated helmet. A second pivot arm assembly is pivotally attached to the first pivot arm assembly and is rotatable about a first horizontal axis. A optical device mounting arm assembly is rotatably attached to the second pivot arm assembly. The optical device mounting arm assembly rotatable about a first vertical axis relative to the second pivot arm assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Wilcox Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Gary M. Lemire
  • Patent number: 8209783
    Abstract: The helmet visor with wiper apparatus provides a visor that can wipe inclement weather products off of the visor center section with a pendulum action wiper blade that is replaceable. The visor removably fits most existing helmets. The center section of the visor provides for less curvature than do the left section and right section, thereby providing for most efficient cleaning. The center section outward flares provide best all around visibility from the center section. Also, the wiper mechanism removably fastens to the visor, providing for inexpensive wiper mechanism replacement without having to replace the entire apparatus and further providing for the various components of the wiper mechanism to be serviced and replaced easily, without great expense. The flexible blade is replaceable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventor: N. D. Lone Eagle
  • Patent number: 8209781
    Abstract: During use of a firefighter helmet or a similar helmet, a detachable protective earflap unit can be used to provide convenient and easy storage of personal items for the firefighter or other helmet wearer secured at the back of the helmet and below the rear brim or rear lower edge of the helmet by a utility strap securement assembly. The protective earflap unit comprises an earflap having a utility strap securement assembly that selectively may encircle and retain eyewear, an eyewear case, a utility bag, or other small personal item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Krochmal
  • Patent number: 8209782
    Abstract: A motorcycle helmet enhancing horn having a horn shaped, hollow body initiating at a broad base tapering to a distal point. The horn arches is formed about a curved central axis spanning between a center of the broad base and a central point of the distal end. The central axis can be a single or compound curved shape. A mounting flange supports the horn body. The mounting flange is contiguous about and extends substantially perpendicularly outward from the base edge. An adhesive is applied to the bonding surface of the mounting flange for securing the horn to a motorcycle helmet. The horns can be provided in mirror image pairs having individual flanges or in a series assembled in a linear, spatial arrangement on a single flange. The flanges are shaped in a compound curve for mating to an outer surface of a motorcycle helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventor: Michael L. Henry
  • Patent number: 8201276
    Abstract: A protection device, system and/or method including a protection body portion adapted to be one or both of connected to or disposed on the lower edge of a wearer's headgear. In some implementations, the protection body portion may be triangular and the connecting of the device to headgear may include a removable connective component is located at the apex of a second edge and a third edge of the protection body portion at the farthest point from the headgear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Astar Listings, LLC
    Inventor: John Asta
  • Patent number: 8201275
    Abstract: A protective goggle assembly includes a protective goggle having two side straps, each side strap comprises a free end and a first surface attachment region adjacent to the free end on at least one surface of each side strap; and a strap assembly that encircles the user's head, on each side of the strap assembly a second surface attachment region is provided that is configured to engage the first surface attachment region of the side straps. Free ends of the base band of the strap assembly are connected to an elastic ring to form a complete encircling band. The base band has a tail for securing the base band in position on a helmet. The complete encircling band is configured to fit around a soldier's helmet and the elastic ring being configured to fit over and around a night vision goggle mount at a front of the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Revision Military Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Packard, Kimberly Borsa, Adam North Lazar, James Patrick Radigan
  • Publication number: 20120144566
    Abstract: A visor locking assembly alone or in combination with a helmet shell and visor. The visor locking assembly is attached to said shell and is used to mount the visor in a manner that allows the visor to be locked in a desired position. The visor locking assembly is configured to prevent the visor from being moved from a fully lowered position to a raised position unless the visor is displaced laterally forward away from the face of the wearer of the helmet. The locking assembly further comprises a body and a rotatable hub, wherein the body comprises a cavity, and wherein the cavity further comprises a protrusion on the wall of the cavity, and wherein the rotatable hub comprises a recess formed along the circumference of the hub. The hub is positioned to rotate within the cavity, and the hub is prevented from rotational movement when the protrusion is positioned within (engaged with) the recess. When the hub is displaced laterally within the cavity away from the protrusion, the hub becomes rotatable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: Jeremy Hunt, Jason Cooke
  • Patent number: 8193940
    Abstract: A signal device is provided for identifying and communicating a location or hazard, concealed within a housing on a hard hat having a pocket. Further provided is a detachable housing to be placed in the pocket. Embodiments incorporate a speaker for audible identification, a light emitting diode (LED) for visual identification and a global positioning sensor (GPS) for identifying the wearer's location and various circuits and systems that utilize the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventors: Timothy Alan Cummings, Joseph Nick Filadelfia, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8191178
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mouth guard or mouth piece holder having a pair of mounts each mount having a generally concave back surface and a flat front surface and configured to be fixed to an exterior surface of a helmet with the back surface conforming to and abutting the exterior surface of the helmet. A face plate is attached to the mounts to define a pocket. A support base is medially located within the pocket formed integral to the bottom edge of the face plate to partially fill the pocket. Thus, the pocket with the base is adapted to accommodate the mouth guard such that the mouth guard can be maintained proximate to the exterior surface of the helmet above the facemask during temporary periods of non-use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Hal Mangel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8166575
    Abstract: A protective headgear combination has a helmet and at least one ear defender secured on the helmet rotational position of the at least one ear defender relative to the helmet is adjustable about a first axis of rotation, wherein the first axis of rotation is positioned relative to the vertical at an angle of less than 45° for an upright head position of a user of the protective headgear combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Peter Haselmayer
  • Patent number: 8166577
    Abstract: Provided is a helmet including a half helmet-shaped helmet main body including a main body through hole at each side thereof; a shield that is rotated vertically at a front side of the helmet main body and inserted into the helmet main body and has a through hole at each end thereof so as to be detachably connected to the helmet main body; and a holder having a penetrating connection shaft at its lower surface, the penetrating connection shaft capable of being inserted through the main body through hole and the shield through hole from the outside of the helmet main body and connecting the shield to the helmet main body so as to be rotated vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: HJC Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang-Seob Lee
  • Publication number: 20120090079
    Abstract: An assembly for mounting a visor on a helmet includes a visor assembly having a lens and a fastening element with a pair of latching prongs each with a resiliently displaceable prong end; a casing attached to the helmet and having a pair of channels each for receiving the a latching prong and a pair of fixtures, each fixture for engaging a respective prong end when displaced outwardly; and a lock having a pair of locking prongs, each locking prong being insertable into one channel from an opposite end as the latching prongs and each locking prong having a locking prong end that is positionable under a respective latching prong to prevent displacement of the latching prong end inwardly to disengage from the respective fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Stéphane Lebel, Martin Bélanger
  • Patent number: 8156575
    Abstract: Headwear wearable by a user is provided having rearview mirrors mounted thereon or incorporated therein via robust mounting structures or mechanisms. The rearview mirrors can be attached to the headwear such that the mirrors are movable between a stowed or collapsed configuration in which the mirror is at least partially hidden from the user's view and a deployed configuration in which a viewing surface of the mirror is positioned to provide a rear view image to the user. The headwear may be goggles, helmets or other structures wearable on the head of a user. Rearview mirrors mountable to headwear are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: William J. Tronvig
  • Publication number: 20120084904
    Abstract: A rotational engagement component to engage a lens for facial protection, to headwear such as a helmet worn on the head of a user. The device features one or a plurality of mounts engageable to the helmet. A pivot engaged with the mount and with the lens, allow rotation of the lens from an as-used position in front of the user, to a horizontal stowed position. The pivot is translatable in its engagement to the mount allowing for translation of the lens in the stowed position to adjust its center of gravity on the user's head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Roy Paulson
  • Patent number: 8132270
    Abstract: The invention relates to a headband means (1) used for applying a breathing mask (2) in a user's facial area. Said headband means (1) comprises a flexible band body that is provided with upper and lower band portions (3, 4) and is used for transmitting the mask holding forces required for applying the breathing mask. At least some portions of the band body are made of a foamed plastic material. The invention further relates to an application device (102) for a breathing mask, comprising a headband means which extends around the back of a user's head. The headband means encompasses a supporting structure (S) made of a material that can at least once be temporarily brought into a state in which at least some portions of the headband means can be individually adjusted to the shape of the back of the user's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Map Medizin-Technologie GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Lang, Achim Biener, Martin Bechtel, Harald Vögele, Caspar Graf Stauffenberg
  • Patent number: 8127374
    Abstract: A device mount for mounting a vision enhancement device to an article worn on a user's head includes a first adjustment member operable to move a mounted vision enhancement device in a cranial-caudal direction with respect to the user. A second adjustment member which extends from the first adjustment member is operable to move a mounted vision enhancement device along a medial-lateral adjustment axis with respect to the user. A third adjustment member includes an extension arm extending from the second adjustment member that rotates with respect to the medial-lateral adjustment axis of the second adjustment member. A helmet apparatus includes a device mount and power supply that are offset from an anterior-posterior axis of the helmet in a counterbalancing arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Exelis, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles D. Willey, Gregory S. Bandy, Kevin C. Schlirf
  • Publication number: 20120047765
    Abstract: An accessory for use in mounting and regenerating goggles while on a helmet. Features of the helmet accessory are adapted for securing the goggles, for preventing or minimizing accumulation of snow or dirt on the optical surfaces, and for removing or resisting condensation and fogging inside the goggles. The accessory includes a “face-shaped” mounting surface with nose ridge and forehead ridge configured so that the goggles may be flush seated to protect their foam edgings when sealed against the mounting surface. The mounting system is mounted on the superior front surface of the helmet and requires no modification of the goggles or helmet for use. In use, goggles may be easily transferred from a first position when worn on the user's face to a second “standby” or “regeneration” position engaging the nose and brow ridges of the face-shaped mounting system, where the goggles may be regenerated or conveniently secured when not in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Kolesar
  • Patent number: 8117678
    Abstract: In combination, a hard hat lanyard and a hard hat includes a lower strap having a first end and a second end, a lower strap fastening mechanism fastened to the lower strap second end where the fastening mechanism is adapted to fasten the lower strap second end to an article of clothing, an upper strap having a first end and a second end, an intermediate release mechanism fastened to the lower strap first end and the upper strap second end that is adapted to releasably secure the lower strap to the upper strap, and an upper strap fastening mechanism where the lower strap, the lower strap fastening mechanism, the upper strap, the intermediate release mechanism, and the upper strap fastening mechanism form the hard hat lanyard that attaches to the hard hat where the upper strap is fastened around a non-separating portion of the hard hat without modifying the hard hat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventors: Darrell A. Moreau, Andre W. Moreau
  • Patent number: 8117676
    Abstract: A hardhat provides ventilation and controlled lighting. A crown of a modified semi-spherical shape terminates downwardly with a generally oval peripheral edge in a horizontal plane, the crown having a plurality of apertures therein arranged in spaced apart sequence, and a flexible venting strip fixed forwardly on the crown and extending over the apertures, the venting strip positionable in each of a plurality of arcs above the crown, wherein each one of the arcs provides a selectable ventilation conductance into the hardhat. A brim is joined integrally to the peripheral edge of the crown extending outwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Jefferson Cardoso
  • Patent number: 8091150
    Abstract: The batting helmet is a training helmet having an extendable panel on each side of the helmet. Each panel is slidably mounted in a hollow case or sheath attached to the ear flap and extends forward from the ear flap at eye level. The panel is extendable in discrete increments, preferably to three different lengths, to offer a greater or lesser degree of restriction of the batter's field of vision according to the batter's skill level. In order to accomplish incremental extension, the panel has a resilient tab or button that locks into one of a plurality of slots defined in the case to lock the panel at the desired length. The panel restricts the batter's vision to focus the batter's attention on the pitched ball, often requiring the batter to turn his head to see the ball leave the pitcher's hand and follow its flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: Omar Bengochea
  • Patent number: 8087100
    Abstract: A helmet mount for night vision apparatus wherein night vision goggles can be coupled and uncoupled to its power pack without the use of tools and wherein the power pack can be coupled and uncoupled to a helmet without the use of tools. When an aviator wearing a helmet with night vision apparatus so mounted, is ejected from his aircraft both the goggles and the power pack are released from the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Aguero, Todd Neff, William Eric Garris, Roy Holmes
  • Publication number: 20110314595
    Abstract: [Problem] It is to obviate the trouble of making fine adjustments of a mounting angle to a helmet even if there are significant differences among individual workers in position of the mouth. [Constitution] A helmet A1 includes work-mask wearing devices 100, 100 attached to right and left ear areas of an edge a1 of the helmet A1 and a work mask connected to the work-mask wearing devices 100, 100. The work-mask wearing device 100 includes a first plate 10 with a holder 12 and a second plate 20 joined to the other end side of the first plate and adapted to be folded back. The second plate 20 has a fixing plate portion 211 and a movable plate portion 212, and the movable plate portion 212 of the second plate 20 is rotatable with respect to the first plate 10 not only in an open state but also in a closed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicants: Nobumasa Kobayashi, Takakiyo Taira, Ayako Kobayashi
    Inventor: Nobumasa Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20110314594
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism for attaching ear accessories to a helmet allows an accessory to be attached at a point outside the helmet shell utilizing, for example, a slidable mounting rail, and to reach under the edge of the helmet shell so that the accessory is supported in contact with the wearer's head. The hinge mechanism is well suited for use in connection with military helmets that have a “bulge” or protrusion over the ear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: Artisent, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Rogers, Charles H. Rogers, Darwin Keith-Lucas
  • Publication number: 20110302701
    Abstract: The position controlling mechanism is provided to be pivotally mounted on a side of a full-faced helmet for adjusting the positions of a chin guard and a visor plate of the helmet. The position controlling mechanism includes at least a chin guard, at least a spring, at least a rotor, at least a visor plate, at least an interaction gear, at least a transmission gear, at least a rotative element, at least an elastic ring and at least a visor plate base. After the position controlling mechanism being assembled, the rotor is capable of being rotated to transmit rotation to a gear chain, so as for the chin guard and the visor plate to be moved between activated and retracted positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: KIN YUNG LUNG INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: HSUAN-CHIN KUO
  • Patent number: 8069499
    Abstract: A helmet shield attaching mechanism with which when raising a shield, the shield and/or an anti-fogging auxiliary shield will not catch on a window opening rim member for a head protecting body, in spite that the operation of raising the shield in a fully-closed state is comparatively simple and that the mechanism has a comparatively simple structure. The helmet shield attaching mechanism includes a stationary base member fixing to the head protecting body, a movable base member attaching to the stationary base member so as to be movable forward and backward with respect to the stationary base member, and the shield which is pivotally supported by the movable base member. When a substantially upward force acts on the shield which is in a fully-closed state, at least one cam follower provided to the shield or stationary base member relatively follows at least one cam surface formed on the stationary base member or shield, to move the shield forward substantially to the front side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Shoei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eiji Isobe
  • Publication number: 20110289661
    Abstract: Helmet-mounted switch systems are disclosed. A helmet-mounted switch system comprises a mount portion, an electronic device, a power source, at least one accelerometer, and a processor. The mount portion is rotatable around a rotation axis. The electronic device is mounted to the mount portion. The power source is configured to switchably supply power to the electronic device. The at least one accelerometer is operable to measure an acceleration of the mount portion. The system may also include at least one gyroscope operable to measure a rotation of the mount portion. The processor is configured to receive acceleration data. The processor is programmed to determine whether the mount portion is rotating around the rotation axis based on the acceleration data. The processor is programmed to change a power state of the electronic device when the mount portion is rotating around the rotation axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: ITT MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: John Barnett Hammond
  • Patent number: 8056152
    Abstract: A pivot assembly for use with headgear that includes a headtop and a shield, and a method for coupling the headtop to the shield using the pivot assembly. The pivot assembly can include a housing, a socket dimensioned to be received in the housing and having a plurality of first engagement features, and a post having a plurality of second engagement features adapted to engage the first engagement features. The pivot assembly can further include a spring dimensioned to be received in the housing to bias the first engagement features and the second engagement features into engagement, while allowing relative rotation between the post and the socket. A method can include moving the socket in a first direction into the housing, moving the post in a second direction that is different from the first direction toward engagement with the socket, and moving the spring in the first direction into the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Thomas J. Brace
  • Publication number: 20110271428
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective sports helmet that includes an energy attenuating faceguard mounting system, which includes at least one dynamic connector that secures the faceguard to the helmet shell without a connection point in the shell's brow region. The lack of a brow region connection point results in a gap or clearance between the faceguard and the shell that has a functional interplay with the dynamic connector upon an impact to the faceguard. In general terms, when a substantially on-center impact to the faceguard occurs, the faceguard is displaced towards the shell and the connector bracket flexes outward relative to the helmet shell to help dissipate impact energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Chris Withnall, Michael Wonnacott, Vittorio Bologna, Thad M. Ide, Ralph Infusino, Nelson Kraemer
  • Publication number: 20110261453
    Abstract: A minor based front viewing system is disclosed. The front viewing system may be worn by the rider similar to an eyeglass or mounted to a handlebar region of the bicycle. The rider can also wear an aerodynamic helmet and use the front viewing system or video display system in conjunction with the aerodynamic helmet so that the rider can maintain his/her head in a down position to take advantage of the aerodynamic characteristics of the aerodynamic helmet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: James Michael Felt
  • Patent number: 8042198
    Abstract: A protective headguard comprising a front pad, rear pad and left and right, upper and lower bands. The front pad protectively covers at least a portion of a human forehead. The left and right, upper and lower bands extend in opposite lateral directions from opposite sides of the front pad. The upper and lower bands form first and second tensioned circumferential lines of retention. The upper bands do not cooperatively interact with the lower pair of bands such that the upper and lower pairs of bands are independently adjustable so as to permit the first and second tensioned circumferential lines of retention to be separately and independently fitted to a human head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Full90 Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: William K. Cleveland
  • Publication number: 20110252543
    Abstract: A helmet grille for a sport helmet having a shell and an inner shock absorbing arrangement, the helmet grille including at least one elongate grille member extending from a rear helmet portion forwardly operatively along a first side of a wearer's face, across a front of the wearer's face, and rearwardly towards the rear helmet portion, substantially to extend at least partially around a wearer's head, and at least one attachment formation attached to at least one end of the at least one elongate grille member and attachable to any one of the shell and the inner shock absorbing arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Barend Hendrik De Harde
  • Publication number: 20110252546
    Abstract: An adapter for mounting equipment (4) such as lamps and headsets onto protective helmets includes a base (1) fastened detachably onto the protective helmet, and a holder (2) with variable securing parts (3) that snaps detachably into the base (1). The base (1) features a snap-and-detent mechanism (1.1), has an external shape adapted to the type of protective helmet and is fastened detachably onto the protective helmet. The holder (2) features a snap-and-detent element (2.5) designed as corresponding counter piece to the snap-and-detent mechanism (1.1) of the base (1). The variable securing parts (3) are flat silicone straps where at least two securing parts (3) can be threaded into the holder (2), an insertable piece of equipment (4) can be fastened separately, flexibly and detachably by wrapping the two securing parts (3) around the equipment (4) and anchoring them onto the holder (2), and the snap-and-detent element (2.5) of the equipped holder (2) snaps into the snap-and-detent mechanism (1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: E. D. BULLARD COMPANY
    Inventors: Ulf Junker, Stefan Roemer
  • Publication number: 20110239354
    Abstract: An improved helmet mounting device for an optical or other viewing device is provided. The helmet mount includes a mounting assembly removably attachable to the helmet and a pivoting assembly having a first end pivotally attached to the mounting assembly and a second end opposite the first end. A fore and aft adjustment assembly is attached to the second end of the pivoting assembly and a left and right adjustment assembly is rotatably attached to the fore and aft adjustment assembly. The left and right adjustment assembly is pivotal relative to the fore and aft adjustment assembly about a first generally vertical axis. An optical device mounting member is attached to the left and right adjustment assembly and the optical device mounting member is removably attachable to the optical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: WILCOX INDUSTRIES CORP.
    Inventors: Marc J. Celona, Dominic R. Goupil, Gary M. Lemire, James W. Teetzel, Justin D. Harris
  • Patent number: 8028344
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism for attaching ear accessories to a helmet allows an accessory to be attached at a point outside the helmet shell utilizing, for example, a slidable mounting rail, and to reach under the edge of the helmet shell so that the accessory is supported in contact with the wearer's head. The hinge mechanism is well suited for use in connection with military helmets that have a “bulge” or protrusion over the ear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Artisent, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Rogers, Charles H. Rogers, Darwin Keith-Lucas
  • Publication number: 20110225707
    Abstract: An eyewear assembly for attachment to a hard hat, the hard hat including a main body and a visor, the eyewear assembly including at least one eyewear member, a mounting means to attach the set of eyewear to the headwear including an arcuate body adapted to substantially correspond to the shape of the visor of the hard hat, a rearwardly projecting locating tongue and at least one deformable attachment portion such that the mounting means is clamped to the visor of the hard hat by the at least one deformable attachment portion and at least one rotation mechanism associated with the mounting means and the eyewear to allow movement of the at least one eyewear member relative to the at least one mounting means between a use position in front of a wearer's eyes and a stored position adjacent the visor of the headwear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: RPS International Marketing Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Peter Pantelos MILLIOS
  • Patent number: 8020562
    Abstract: The combination chin protector and mouth guard provides a device for protecting both the user's teeth and chin. The device is particularly adapted for use in combination with a motorcycle or motocross helmet, for example. The combination chin protector and mouth guard includes a chin protector having opposed front and rear faces, and a mouth guard, adapted for insertion into the mouth of the user, having a front face adapted for positioning against the lips of the user and at least one substantially U-shaped recess being formed in the mouth guard to receive and protect the user's teeth. A support having opposed upper and lower ends is further provided, the upper end thereof being attached to the mouth guard, and the lower end thereof being secured to the chin protector in order to tether the mouth guard to the chin protector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventor: Felipe E. Navarrette, Jr.